Hip-Hop artist Ezee Hanabe, popularly known as Ma-E, feels there is only one Kaizer Chiefs player who was worthy of making the Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Soccer Laduma got in touch with the Teargas member to talk about what he thinks about the club he supports, Amakhosi, this season.
Last time we spoke to you, Arthur Zwane was head coach of Kaizer Chiefs. A lot has changed since then. What are your thoughts on what's been happening at Chiefs?
Yeah, a lot has changed. Since Arthur Zwane, I just feel that not a lot has changed. The interim coach, Cavin Johnson, knows how to motivate the players and he is trying his best to give them that belief again. At least we got some few wins towards the end of last year. They are trying. Before the end of the year, there was that boost of confidence in the team and you just check how Ranga (Chivaviro) scored that goal (against Sekhukhune United). It was a good one for him and a good confidence booster. I think the coach has been working hard with the boys, but I am not sure what's happening with the upper management. I don't think they are doing much. It's not that Chiefs don't have player or they are not capable, I just feel that the players are sometimes not motivated as much and upper management also has to play a role. We need people who can concentrate on encouraging the players. We need that type of department. I feel they are playing well, but they can increase the confidence and motivation in the team.
Are there any players who you've been keeping a close eye on this season?
He is back in the team and I think he is trying. I just think sometimes he lacks the motivation so that he can play even better. He is a good passer of the ball and he usually makes good decisions on the pitch. But we need our players to be more confident so that they make better decisions on the playing field. Yusuf Maart is also been good. He is an exceptional player, but he can always improve. I think the coach is working hard to motivate him and the others and that's why we got the results we did in December. Reeve Frosler is also such a good player, but he needs to work a bit more on his defending because I don't think this is the Frosler that I know.
Do you think Cavin Johnson is someone who can take over on a permanent basis?
Cavin Johnson is a good coach. I like what he has done with the team up to now because a lot of players got their confidence back. I feel that the team can try him out until the end of the season, but I feel that if ever there was a chance to get Pitso (Mosimane), then we should go get him. He has the experience. He has won the Champions League. If the management has the money to get him, then let's bring him to Naturena. Chiefs is a big brand and we really need someone who can bring back the glory days.
How do you feel about Chiefs not having any players in the Bafana Bafana squad at the Africa Cup of Nations?
I think (Given) Msimango should have been at AFCON. He has done well. But I think the other players need to up their game (to get into the national team). Maart can be there and Frosler should be there, but let's be honest...the guys have not stepped up the way they should have. With so much talent that we have, we should have players in the national team. I don't think the guys deserve to be in he national team. I am trying to think who can even be on the bench to save us.
